[Anti-histamines]

Abstract

The use of anti-histamines remains the therapy of choice for the ensemble of allergic pathologies with a reaginic mechanism. Knowledge of the metabolism of histamine gives an understanding of a number of allergic symptoms and also clarifies the mechanism of action of the anti-histamines. Many molecules are appearing on the market, each with a more precise action on the specific H1 receptors and also carrying other pharmacological specificities of better and better study. Observance of contra-indications, in particular cardio-vascular, allows their use without reserve, whilst knowing that there are always problems of specific tolerance, that are variable from one individual to another, specially on drowsiness. The importance of stopping anti-histamines must be remembered, every time that this is possible, before making an allergic diagnosis by skin tests.